What is shingles?

Shingles also called herpes zoster, is a painful infection caused by varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It appears as blisters usually in a single stripe that cover your right or left side of the body. It can occur in any part of the body.

Causes

• Varicella zoster is the causative agent of this disease.
• The virus lies dormant in the body for years after the initial attack of chickenpox. It then travels along the nerves and rises to the skin causing shingles.
• Lowered immunity in the elderly is cited as a reason.

Symptoms

• The symptoms are usually seen only in one half of the body.
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Pain
• Sensitivity to touch
• Sensitivity to light
• A reddish rash that starts a few days after the pain.
• Blisters that are filled with fluid. They break and crust.
• Itching
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache

Treatment

• Even if there are no cures, immediate treatment with anti-virals can provide reduced chances of complications and fast healing.
• The doctor may prescribe numbing medication in the forms of creams and gels.
• Local anesthetic and corticosteroid injections may be used.

Prevention

• The chickenpox vaccine for children and adults who have not had chickenpox.
• Shingles vaccine for adults above the age of 50.

What you can expect when you visit our clinics

1. Stop by our front desk to visit a certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. No appointment is required.
2. Your medical practitioner will examine your medical background, go over your medical issues, perform an examination and supply you with an individualized plan for treatment. This might consist of non-prescription items or a medical prescription.
3. Towards the end of your visit to our clinic, your medical attendant will give you an overview, an invoice and some instructional material may be given.
4. The overview of your clinic visit can be forwarded to your primary health care provider with your authorization.